June 4, 2023 ~ Folk singer, actress Dora María, full name Dora María Pérez Vidal, passed away ~ Dubbed “the Golden Shorty” for her stature. First Mexican singer to perform in Las Vegas. Known for songs such El Pochitoque Jahuactero, Mis Blancas Mariposas, and Amanecer De Mi Tierra. Pérez has also ventured into acting ~ Pérez was born in 1933
June 4, 2023 ~ Stride, R&B, folk pianist, guitarist George Winston passed away ~ Known for playing three distinctive styles, a melodic approach Winston dubs rural folk piano, stride piano influenced by Fats Waller and Teddy Wilson, and New Orleans R&B influenced by Professor Longhair and Henry Butler. Has released well over a dozen albums, starting with his overlooked Piano Solos debut album in 1972, later re-released as Ballads And Blues 1972. Primarily known as a pianist Winston also plays guitar and harmonica ~ Winston was born in 1949
June 4, 2021 ~ Mezzo-soprano singer, actress Karla Burns passed away in Wichita, Kansas, USA ~ First gained serious attention starring as Queenie in a 1982 production of Show Boat, earning her a Tony Award nomination and a Drama Desk Award. Has worked in opera, musical theater and TV included with renowned orchestras such as the Metropolitan Opera, the Paris Opera, the Teatro Real, the Cairo Opera House, the London Sinfonietta and the Royal Shakespeare Company ~ Burns was born in 1954
June 4, 2020 ~ Dulce Pinto Bressano, commonly known as singer, songwriter Dulce Nunes, passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Known for a handful of 1960s, starting with 1964's Pober Menina Rica, a collaboration with Carlos Lyra. Married to pianist Bene Nunes through 1965. Married to guitarist, pianist Egberto Gismonti from 1968 to 1976 ~ Bressane was born in 1929
June 4, 2020 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter, producer Rupert Hine, full name Rupert Neville Hine, passed away in Wiltshires, UK ~ As a singer and keyboardist, Hine is best known as a member of Quantam Jump, with whom he scored the 1979 UK top 10 hit The Lone Ranger. Hine has recorded over half a dozen albums under either the moniker Thinkman or his own name, notably the 1981 Immunity album. However, Hine is best known as a producer, successful particularly in the 1980s, producing or co-producing albums by Yvonne Elliman, Camel (I Can See Your House From Here), Murray Head, Saga, Chris De Burgh (The Getaway), the Waterboys (The Waterboys), the Fixx (Reach The Beach), Tina Turner (Private Dancer), Howard Jones (Human's Lib), Power Station, Bob Geldof, Thompson Twins, Stevie Nicks, Robert Palmer, and Rush. Former Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips, for whom Hine produced several late-1970s albums, once said of Hine: “I've yet to work with a more affable, patient, funny and bloody good producer” ~ Hine was born in 1947
June 4, 2020 ~ Glam rock, hard rock bassist, keyboardist, singer Steve Priest, full name Stephen Norman Priest, passed away ~ Bassist of the Sweet, known for songs such as Funny Funny, Little Willy, The Ballroom Blitz, Fox On The Run and Love Is Like Oxygen. Would serve as lead singer in a reunited Sweet later on ~ Priest was born in 1950
June 4, 2017 ~ The 48th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 2 of 3. Mostly sunny, this year's edition would draw in total some 89,500 visitors. Included on today's, Sunday the 4th's bill would include Gavin James, Kodaline, Broederliefde, Imagine Dragons, Green Day, Anne-Marie, James Arthur, Clean Bandit, Biffy Clyro, Sean Paul, Jack Savoretti, My Baby, the Charm The Fury, Rancid, the Undeclinables, Busty & the Bass, Amber Run, Bomba Estéreo, and Charl Delamarre
June 4, 2016 ~ Singer Bobby Curtola, full name Robert Allen Curtola, passed away in Edmonton, Canada ~ Bobby of Bobby & the Bobcats. As a solo singer known for a string of 1960s Canadian hits, occasionally crossing the border into American charts, including Hitchhiker, The Fortuneteller, Aladdin, Indian Giver, As Long As I'm Sure Of You, and Walking With My Angel ~ Curtola was born in 1943
June 4, 2014 ~ Bernard Patrick Neeson, commonly known as guitarist, bassist, singer Doc Neeson passed away in Adelaide, Australia ~ Frontman of Australian hard rock outfit the Angels from its inception in 1976 through its initial disbandement in 1999, known for songs such as No Secrets, Into The Heat, Fashion And Fame, Stand Up, We Gotta Get Out Of This Place and Dogs Are Talking ~ Neeson was born in 1947
June 4, 2013 ~ Jazz bassist Ben Tucker passed away in Hutchinson Island, Georgia, USA ~ Worked with Art Pepper, Billy Taylor, Quincy Jones, Grant Green, Dexter Gordon, Hank Crawford, Junior Mance, Herbie Mann, Dave Bailey, Victor Feldman, Larry Bunker, Bobby Thomas, Ray Crawford, Tommy Tedesco, Patato, Mose Allison, Kenny Burrell, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Lou Donaldson, Teddy Edwards, Gil Evans, Chico Hamilton, Roland Hanna, Willis Jackson, Illinois Jacquet, Clifford Jordan, Yusef Lateef, Junior Mance, Warne Marsh, Pat Martino, James Moody, Gerry Mulligan, Mark Murphy, Oliver Nelson, Lalo Schifrin, Bola Sete, Jimmy Smith, Jeremy Steig, Sonny Stitt, and Harold Vick ~ Tucker was born in 1930
June 4, 2013 ~ Singer, guitarist Jim Sundquist passed away in Fairfax, Minnesota, USA ~ Half of early-1960s duo the Fendermen, the other half being Phil Humphrey, best known for their single Mule Skinner Blues which reached the Billboard top 10 in 1960 ~ Sundquist was born in 1937
June 4, 2013 ~ Drummer Joey Covington, full name Joseph Edward Covington, passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Best known as member of the Jefferson Airplane. Wrote and sang on Pretty As You Feel, the band's last hit. Worked with the Fenways, Kim Fowley, Papa John Creach, Jimmy Greenspoon, Joe Schermie, Hot Tuna, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, and others ~ Covington was born in 1945
June 4, 2012 ~ Singer Herb Reed passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Co-founding and last surviving member of the Platters. Came up with the band's name, as DJ's would refer to records as “platters.” Sang on all of the band's recordings, mostly backup. Sang lead on songs such as Sixteen Tons, Singing In The Rain, In A Little Spanish Town, Sleepy Town Gall, Darktown Strutter's Ball, Blues In The Night, and On The Top Of My Mind ~ Reed was born in 1928
June 4, 2006 ~ The 37th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 2 of 3. A sunny, warm weekend, this year's edition would draw a total of some 68,000 visitors. Included on today's, Sunday the 4th's bill would be Kashmir, the Bloodhound Gang, Racoon, dEUS, Tool, VanKatoen, Dredg, Danko Jones, Alter Bridge, the Rakes, the Zutons, Infadels, and Hooverphonic
June 4, 2004 ~ Saxophonist, composer Steve Lacy passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Not to be confused with producer, instrumentalist Steve Lacy. Regarded as one of the most important soprano saxophonists. Lacy began his career working with much older musicians including Red Allen, Pee Wee Russell, Pops Foster, Zutty Singleton. He has also played and recorded with Buck Clayton, Dicky Wells, Jimmy Rushing, Cecil Taylor, Gil Evans, Kenny Drew, Enrico Rava, Johnny Dyani, Louis Moholo, his wife singer and violinist Irene Aebi, Steve Potts, Bobby Few, Jean Jacques Avenel, Oliver Johnson, Eric Watson, Cecil Taylor, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Carla Bley, the Jazz Composers Orchestra, Gary Burton, and Alan Silva ~ Lacy was born in 1934
June 4, 2002 ~ Singer Avril Lavigne releases Let Go, which became one of the most successful Canadian albums of the early-2000s ~ An impressive debut met mostly with positive reviews at the time of its release. Rolling Stone stated Let Go came “fully loaded with infectious hymns of (teenage) angst”, Blender rated it as “outstanding”, while Q Magazine praised the then-18-year-old singer for “a musical guile way beyond her years”. Retrospectively, the album has been acknowledged as one that transformed the pop-punk music scene, making the genre accessible to mainstream audiences while paving the way for later female-fronted pop punk acts. Three of the album's singles, Complicated, Sk8ter Boi and I'm With You, made top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, while the album peaked inside the top 10 in over a dozen countries including No.1 in Australia, the UK and Canada, and eventually would sell over 15 million copies worldwide. Let Go landed the singer two Juno Awards in her native Canada and five Grammy Award nominations south of the border including for Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album
June 4, 2001 ~ John Cowan Hartford, commonly known as folk, country, bluegrass singer, fiddler, banjoist, songwriter John Hartford, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for penning and first recording Gentle On My Mind in 1968, earning Hartford two Grammy Awards. It would be notably covered by Glen Campbell the same year, which also received two Grammy Awards. Others who covered the song included Aretha Franklin, Dean Martin, and Patti Page ~ Harford was born in 1937
June 4, 2001 ~ The 32nd edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 3 of 3. A chilly but mostly dry weekend, this year's edition would draw a total of 64,200 visitors. Included on today's, Monday the 4th's bill would be Semisonic, 3 Doors Down, Anouk, the Manic Street Preachers, Limp Bizkit, Radiohead, Lifehouse, the Stereophonics, the Postmen, the Offspring, Basement Jaxx, JJ72, the Hives, Toploader, the Tindersticks, and Tool
June 4, 1997 ~ John Robert Smith, commonly known as hard bop, soul jazz organist Johnny Hammond Smith, passed away in Victorville, California, USA ~ Active since the late-1950s. Renowned on the Hammond B-3 organ, earning him the nickname Hammond. As a leader best known for his 1971 Breakout album, and for collaborating with the Mizell Brothers on the mid-1970s albums Gambler's Life and Gears. In-demand collaborator, appearing on albums by Gene Ammons, Oliver Nelson, Byrdie Green, Freddie Hubbard (Red Clay), Billy Butler, Stanley Turrentine (Don't Mess With Mr T), and the CTI All-Stars ~ Smith was born in 1933
June 4, 1997 ~ Rock singer, bassist, guitarist, songwriter Ronnie Lane, full name Ronald Frederick Lane, passed away in Trinidad, Colorado, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Small Faces, staying on after the name change to the Faces remaining with the band through 1973. Co-wrote a vast amount of the band's material, usually in partnership with Steve Marriott, including All Or Nothing, Get Yourself Together, Itchycoo Park, Lazy Sunday, and Ooh La La. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Anymore For Anymore released in 1974, and collaborated with Pete Townshend, Rod Stewart, and Ronnie Wood ~ Lane was born in 1946
June 4, 1995 ~ Singer, dancer, actress, songwriter Amanda Brown, full name Amanda Leah Brown, born in the Bronx, New York, New York, USA ~ First gained attention in 2012 as contestant on the talent show The Voice aired on NBC, reaching 5th place. Released the singles Dream On and Stars, which both barely charted. Released a full-length album, Dirty Water, in 2018
June 4, 1995 ~ The 26th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 2. In total this year's edition would draw some 49,000 visitors. Included on today's, Sunday the 4th's bill would be Type-O Negative, the Jayhawks, Sick Of It All, Del Amitri, Dog Eat Dog, Teenage Fanclub, de Osdorp Posse, and de Heideroosjes
June 4, 1994 ~ Singer, guitarist Derek Leckenby passed away in Manchester, UK ~ Best known as member of Herman's Hermits, remaining with the band from its inception in 1964 until his death three decades later. Noted for playing the signature riff on Silhouettes, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit in 1965 ~ Leckenby was born in 1945
June 4, 1994 ~ Jazz saxophonist Earle Warren, full name Earl Ronald Warren, passed away in Springfield, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for his association with Count Basie, joining Basie's orchestra in 1937 and remaining through 1945. Has also worked with Buck Clayton, Milt Jackson, Jay McShann, Buddy Tate, Teri Thornton, Milt Buckner, and others ~ Warren was born in 1914
June 4, 1993 ~ Achi Avelino, mononymously known as hip hop rapper, singer Avelino, born in Tottenham, UK ~ Known for his unique tone and deep wordplay. Rose to prominence in 2014, following the release of his mixtape Iconic Ambition. Well-known for his collaboration with Wretch 32 and for his 2016 single On A Roll
June 4, 1992 ~ Rock, progressive metal singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Dino Jelusick born in Pozega, Croatia ~ Won the first edition of the Junior Eurovision Contest in 2003 with the song Ti Si Moja Prva Ljubav, which he penned at age ten. Would release his No.1 debut album later the same year. Ventured into hard rock as he grew older. Co-founding member, frontman of progressive rock outfit Animal Drive. Touring member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra since 2016. Has also worked with the Stone Leaders, The-Ralph, and Dirty Shirley
June 4, 1990 ~ Ivor Pomerance, commonly known as pianist, songwriter, arranger, producer Ivor Raymonde, passed away ~ Best known as arranger and songwriter for Frankie Vaughan, Helen Shapiro, the Walker Brothers, Alan Price, and notably Dusty Springfield, including Springfield's I Only Want To Be With You debut single which reached top 10 in her native UK. Raymond's son bassist, keyboardist Simon Raymonde would reach success as a member of the 1980s, 1990s dream pop pioneers the Cocteau Twins and later co-found the Bella Union record label ~ Pomerance was born in 1926
June 4, 1990 ~ The 21st edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Rainy and windy, some 42,500 visitors show up for this edition's bill which includes the Mission, Van Morrison, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Texas, Melissa Etheridge, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Urban Dance Squad, the Neville Brothers, and the Black Crowes
June 4, 1983 ~ In its ninth week on the charts, Overkill by Men At Work peaks at No.3 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Although the band had previously scored two massive hits, Who Can It Be Now and Down Under, both co-written by lead singer Colin Hay, and their debut album had topped the American Billboard Hot 200 for fifteen weeks, then a record for longest stay at No.1 for a debut album, Hay would cite Overkill as the first song that he was truly proud of: “That was the first song that I wrote where I thought that maybe I could actually make a living as a songwriter, perhaps. I thought that was a good song that I'd written, one that will stand the test of time. I felt at the time it had something to it. I was very happy with that song”
June 4, 1980 ~ Funk, rock saxophonist, flutist Charles Miller passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of War remaining with the band through 1979, to be succeeded by Pat Rizzo. Notably present on the 1975 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Low Rider. Miller was stabbed to death in a street robbery, the case remains unresolved to this day ~ Miller was born in 1939
June 4, 1979 ~ Pop, soul singer, songwriter Alain Clark born in Haarlem, the Netherlands ~ Released his eponymous Alain Clark debut album in 2004. Best known for songs such This Ain't Gonna Work, Father And Friend with his father Dane Clark, Blow Me Away and Back In My World. Has also served as producer for Ali B and Boris, and wrote Fuck It (I Don't Want You Back) for Eamon
June 4, 1979 ~ The 10th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Geleen, the Netherlands ~ Sunny and hot, thunder and hail, some 50,000 visitors show up for this edition's bill which includes Peter Tosh, Rush, Elvis Costello & the Attractions, the Police, the Dire Straits, the Average White Band, and Massada
June 4, 1977 ~ In its seventh week on the charts, Mainstreet by Bob Seger peaks at No.24 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Seger wrote this song, issued as the second single off his Night Moves breakout album, reflecting on his high school years in Ann Arbor, Michigan, exploring the promise of youth. The “Main Street“ actually refers to Ann Street, a street off of Main Street. Seger later recalled: “It was a club. I can't remember the name of the club, but the band that played there all the time was called Washboard Willie. They were a Delta and Chicago blues band. Girls would dance in the window. They were a black band, and they were very good. That's where I would go but I was too young to get in. It wasn't in a great part of town but college students loved to go there”
June 4, 1976 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Kasey Chambers born in Mount Gambler, Australia ~ Member of the Dead Ringer Band, which included her parents Diane Chambers and Bill Chambers and brother Nash Chambers, known for their acclaimed 1996 Home Fires album. Relesed her The Captain solo debut album in 1999 and has recorded consistently since. Best known for songs such as Not Pretty Enough, True Colours, Pony and Nothing At All
June 4, 1975 ~ Pop, country pop singer Glen Campbell records Country Boy (You Got Your Feet In LA) at Sound Labs, Hollywood, California ~ Written and produced by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter. Released as a single in October 1975, paired with Record Collector's Dream on the B-side, it would reach top 10 Billboard Country, top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100
June 4, 1975 ~ Roots reggae singer, guitarist, songwriter Julian Marley, full name Julian Ricardo Marley, born in London, UK ~ Son of iconic reggea singer Bob Marley and Lucy Pounder. Would release his Lion In The Morning debut album in 1996, featuring backing from the likes of Earl Chinna Smith, Tyrone Downie, and half-siblings Stephen Marley, Cedella Marley, and Sharon Marley. Marley is especially acclaimed for his 2019 As I Am album and for his collaborative Say single with Moshe Reuven released in 2022
June 4, 1972 ~ Domenica Costa, commonly known as pop singer Nikka Costa, born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Daughter of noted producer Don Costa. Married to poducer, songwriter Justin Stanley. Released her eponymous Nikka Costa debut album in 1981 at age 9. Would go on to release a number of well-received albums ranging from electro-pop to soul-influenced pop. Well known for songs such as Like A Feather, Everybody Got Their Something and Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter
June 4, 1970 ~ Andrew Jennati Atale, commonly known as alternative rock, punk rock singer, songwriter Andrew Champion, born in East Bay, California, USA ~ Known for his vibrato singing style while still remaining straightforward and edgy. Sang with acts such as Screw 32, Hopelifter, Highwire Days, the Dance Hall Crashers, and Oh Ghost Of Mine
June 4, 1970 ~ DJ, producer Richie Hawtin born in Banbury, UK ~ Leading figure in minimal techno since the mid-1990s. Has recorded under numerous monnikers including Plastikman and FUSE. Released his Dimension Intrusion debut album in 1993
June 4, 1968 ~ Albert Joseph Brown, commonly known as singer Al B Sure, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ One of new jack swing's most popular romantic singers, songwriters, record producers. Selected by Quincy Jones as first winner of a talent content. He would work on several of Quincy's projects, including the single The Secret Garden alongside Barry White, El DeBarge and James Ingram. Also known for the single Nite & Day of his 1988 solo debut LP In Effect Mode. As a writer and producer Brown was pivotal in the early careers of Jodeci, Tevin Campbell, Faith Evans, Dave Hollister, Case and Usher
June 4, 1968 ~ Contemporary Christian singer, pianist, songwriter Cindy Morgan, full name Cindy Lavonne Morgan, born ~ Has recorded about a dozen albums, starting with her critically acclaimed Real Life debut album released in 1992. Her debut album would earn her no less than six Dove Award nominations. Has also formed the duo St Lola In The Fields with Jeremy Bose, going by her married name Cindy Brouwer
June 4, 1965 ~ Pianist Todd Rhodes, full name Todd Washington Rhodes, passed away in Inkster, Michigan, USA ~ Influential in early jazz and later R&B. Active from the 1920s through the late-1950s. Has worked with McKinney's Cotton Pickers, Benny Carter, Coleman Hawkins, Fats Waller, Rex Stewart, Doc Cheatham, Don Redman, Hank Ballard, Dave Bartholomew, Wynonie Harris, Connie Allen, and Lavern Baker. As a solo artist best remembered for songs such as Blues For The Red Boy, Pot Likker, Your Daddy's Doggin' Around, and Your Mouth Got A Hole In It ~ Rhodes was born in 1899
June 4, 1963 ~ Operatic soprano singer Solveig Kringlebotn born in Drøbak, Norway ~ Internationally acclaimed. Known especially for her interpretations of compositions by Edvard Grieg. Made her operatic debut in 1987 at the Royal Swedish Opera. Has worked with the Opera National de Paris, the Royal Opera House, La Scala, the Vienna Staatsoper, the Metropolitan Opera, and other renowned orchestras
June 4, 1962 ~ Gospel singer, pastor John P Kee, full name John Prince Kee, born in Durham, North Carolina, USA ~ Dubbed “the Prince of Gospel music” and known for merging traditional gospel with more modern, contemporary influences. Active since the mid-1980s. Has released solo works as well as with several choirs, most notably the New Life Community Choir
June 4, 1962 ~ Louise Watts, commonly known as singer Lou Watts, born in Bunley, UK ~ Best known as lead singer of Chumbawamba, originally an anarcho-punk band known for their outspoken anarchist views, opposing homophobia and fascism. Later the band would turn to folk music. They would score a global hit with Tubthumping in 1997. Watts stayed with the band from its formation in 1982 to its breakup in 2012
June 4, 1962 ~ Jazz drummer Winard Harper, full name Hiram Winard Harper, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Brother of trumpeter Philip Harper, with whom he also worked. Has collaborated with Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin, Betty Carter, Wycliffe Gordon, Justin Robinson, Javon Jackson, Walter Blanding, Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Stephen Scott, Kevin Hays, Nedra Wheeler, and others
June 4, 1961 ~ Eldra Patrick DeBarge, commonly known as R&B, soul pop singer, keyboardist El DeBarge, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Known for his uniue high tenor and strong falsetto. Member of family outfit DeBarge, singing lead on songs such as Time Will Reveal, Stay With Me, All This Love and one of their best known The Rhythm Of The Night, the latter a top 10 hit on both sides of the Atlantic and the tune that jump-started the career of songwriter Diane Warren. As a solo artist known for his 1986 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Who's Johnny and for his collaborations with artists such as Dionne Warwick, Al Green, Lalah Hathaway, Tone Loc, DJ Quik, 4play, Quincy Jones, and Faith Evans
June 4, 1957 ~ New wave, pop rock singer, guitarist Luca Madonia born in Catania, Italy ~ First gained attention as a member of Denovo, best known for their 1987 Persuasione sophomore album which is considered one of the premier 1980s Italian indie albums. Following the band's disbandement in 1990 Madonia has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist. Has duetted with Franco Battiato, Carmen Consoli, and Grazia di Michele. Perhaps best known for La Consuetudine, used as the theme song of the Radio Rai radio show Hobo
June 4, 1957 ~ Blues, bluse-rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Tinsley Ellis born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Drew critical comparisons to Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton. Influenced by the Yardbirds, the Animals, Cream, the Rolling Stones. Released his Cool On It debut album in 1986 and has recorded to critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase since
June 4, 1956 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Reeves Gabrels born in Staten Island, New York, USA ~ Best known as a member of Tin Machine, backing David Bowie from 1987 through 1999. Acclaimed as one of the most daring rock-guitar improvisers since Jimi Hendrix. Member of the Cure since 2012. Has also worked with Rubber Rodeo, Sister Machine Gun, Club D'Elf, David Tronzo, and recorded as a solo artist
June 4, 1954 ~ Michael George Campbell, commonly known as reggae singer, producer Mikey Dread, born in Port Antonio, Jamaica ~ Known for songs such as Dread At The Controls, Barber Saloon, Rasta Born Baby, Positive Reality, Roots & Culture. Produced the Clash's Bankrobber and guested on the 1980 Sandinista album. Has also worked with Junior Murvin, Roots Radics, Seal, Izzy Stradlin, Sugar Minott, Earl Sixteen, Edi Fitzroy, and others ~ Campbell passed away in 2008
June 4, 1953 ~ James McCulloch, commonly known as rock, pop rock guitarist, bassist Jimmy McCulloch, born in Dumbarton, UK ~ Mentored by the Who's Pete Townshend. Brother of drummer Jack McCulloch. Best known for his association with Paul McCartney, appearing on McCartney's 1970 McCartney solo album and subsequently serving as lead guitarist and bassist for Wings on the albums Band On The Run, Venus And Mars, Wings At The Speed Of Sound, and Wings Over America, London Town. McCulloch has also recorded with Thunderclap Newman, Stone The Crows, Billy Lawrie, Speedy Keen, Roger Daltrey, and Roy Harper, McCulloch passed away of heart failure at age 26 due to morphine and alcohol poisoning ~ McCulloch passed away in 1979
June 4, 1953 ~ Paul Sanson, commonly known as blues rock, hard rock, heavy metal guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer Paul Samson, born ~ Member of the Innocence. Member of McCoy. Best known as founding member and eponym of Samson, gaining a cult following with late-1970s and early-1980s albums such as Survivors, Head On and Shock Tactics ~ Sanson passed away in 2002
June 4, 1951 ~ New wave, power pop drummer Gilson Lavis, full name Leslie Gilson Lavis, born in Greenwich, UK ~ Rose to fame as member of Squeeze, remaining with the band through 1993 and replaced by Pete Thomas. Present on some of the band's best known albums including the acclaimed Cool For Cats released in 1979
June 4, 1950 ~ Singer Dagmar Krause born in Hamburg, Germany ~ Known for instantly recognizable voice defining the sound of many of the avant-rock bands she worked with, most notably Slap Happy, Henry Cow, and Art Bears. Notably collaborated with Kevin Coyne on his 1979 Babble album. Other associations include News From Babel, Michael Nyman, Duck And Cover, Lindsay Cooper, Tom Hodginkson, and the Orckestra
June 4, 1947 ~ Songwriter, keyboardist, singer Toni Wine born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of the Archies. Best known as a songwriter, co-wrote songs such as A Groovy Kind Of Love for the Mindbenders, and Candida for Tony Orlando & Dawn. Sang backup on Willie Nelson's Always On My Mind
June 4, 1946 ~ Electronic, new age, avant-garde pianist, keyboardist, composer Suzanne Ciani born in Indiana, USA ~ Dubbed “the Diva of the Diode” for her pioneering work in electronic music. Active as a solo artist since the early-1970s. Has guested on recordings by the Starland Vocal Band, Elliott Randall, Meco, Bryan Ferry, Art Farmer, Spyro Gyra, Steve Hackett, Fuse One, Mike Rutherford, Ray Barretto, and others
June 4, 1945 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist, pianist Anthony Braxton born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Considered a pivotal figure in avant-garde and free jazz, recording prolifically since the late-1960s. Identifies as a “trans-idiomatic” composer and has repeatedly opposed the idea of a rigid dichotomy between improvisation and composition. Especially acclaimed for his 1969 For Alto album, containing solo alto saxophone works. Early member of the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians. Member of Circle alongside Chick Corea, Dave Holland, and Barry Altschul. Member of Creative Construction Company. Authored several books explaining his music theories and work, notably the three-volume Tri-Axium Writings. Braxton's son Tyondai Braxton is also a musician, best known as guitarist, keyboardist, singer with math-rock outfit Battles
June 4, 1945 ~ Funk, R&B singer, keyboardist, clarinetist, saxophonist, producer, songwriter Leroy Hutson born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Lead singer of the Impressions, jopining the band in 1970 as replacement for Curtis Mayfield and remaining with the band through 1973. First sang lead on the 1971 single Love Me. Released his Love Oh Love solo debut album in 1973 and would gain a cult following in the years after. Best known for his 1976 single Feel The Spirit. Would go on to work as a producer, working with Linda Clifford, Arnold Blair, the Natural Four, and as a songwriter for Roberta Flack, the Voices Of East Harlem, Next Movement, and others
June 4, 1944 ~ Jack Rivers Lewis, commonly known as jazz guitarist Jack Wilkins, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Johnny Smith, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, and Tal Farlow. Active since his teens, backing artists such as the Elgarts, Warren Covington, and Sammy Kaye early on in his career. About a dozen albums to his name as a leader, noted especially for Merge released in 1978. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Albert Dailey, Lionel Hampton, Sonny Fortune, Astrud Gilberto, Morgana King, Charles Mingus, Bob Brookmeyer, Buddy Rich, and the Manhattan Transfer ~ Lewis passed away in 2023
June 4, 1944 ~ Holly Michelle Gilliam, commonly known as pop singer Michelle Phillips born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Founding member of vocal group the Mamas & the Papas, which also included her then-husband John Phillips, known for songs such as California Dreamin', Monday Monday, Dedicated To The One I Love, Creeque Alley, and others
June 4, 1944 ~ Keyboardist, saxophonist, horn player Roger Ball born in Dundee, UK ~ Best known as original member of funk, pop, R&B outfit the Average White Band from 1972 to 1983, present on the acclaimed albums AWB which spawned the hit Pick Up The Pieces and Cut The Cake. Rejoined a renewed incarnation of the band in 1989, staying on until 1996. Has also worked with Vinegar Joe, Badfinger, Kiki Dee & Elton John, Mama Cass, Bryan Ferry, Roxy Music, and others. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Street Struttin' in 2005
June 4, 1944 ~ Wilbur H Jennings, commonly known as songwriter Will Jennings, born in Kilgor, Texas, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing Eric Clapton's Tears In Heaven and Céline Dion's My Heart Will Go On. Others who have recorded songs penned or co-penned by Jennings include Steve Winwood (When You See A Chance), Whitney Houston, BB King, the Crusaders (Street Life), Rodney Crowell (Many A Long And Lonesome Highway), Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick (I'll Never Love This Way Again), Jimmy Buffett, Barry Manilow, and Diana Ross ~ Jennings passed away in 2024
June 4, 1941 ~ Robert George Porter, commonly known as pop, country, rock guitarist, producer Robie Porter, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Enjoyed regional succes in the Sydney area during the 1960s, going by the moniker Rob EG, with singles such as Your Cheatin' Heart, Si Senor (I Theenk), Jezabel, 55 Days At Peking, and When You're Not Near. Had his biggest succes as a producer starting in the early-1970s, notably producing Daddy Cool's 1971 debut album Daddy Who (Daddy Cool). Helpful in advancing Rick Springfield's career. Co-wrote Marcia Hines's Shining of her 1976 album of the same name. Has also served as producer for Air Supply, Tommy Emmanuel, Supernaut, and others ~ Porter passed away in 2021
June 4, 1940 ~ R&B, beat singer Cliff Bennett, full name Clifford Bennett, born in Slough, UK ~ Fronted Cliff Bennett & the Rebel Rousers. The band is known for the Drifters-cover One Way Love and the Beatles-cover Got To Get You Into My Life, both singles reaching the UK top 20 respectively in 1964 and 1966
June 4, 1940 ~ Roy Taylor, commonly known as rock & roll, pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Vince Eager, born in Grantham, UK ~ Known for a string of late-1950s, early-1960s singles, notably Teenage Tears. Had a falling out with his impresario Larry Parnes, the latter commercialising the early death of Eddie Cochran who was a close friend of Eager's. Has since gone on to appear in cabaret and West End stage productions
June 4, 1937 ~ Baldemar Garza Huerta, commonly known as Tejano, country, rock, swamp pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Freddy Fender, born in San Benito, Texas, USA ~ Merged country, rock, swamp pop and Tex-Mex. Active since the 1950s. Became a household name in the mid-1970s, scoring the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Before The Next Teardrop Falls. Subsequent hits included Wasted Days And Wasted Nights, Secret Love, and You'll Lose A Good Thing. Fender was also a member of supergroups Los Super Seven and the Texas Tornados ~ Huerta passed away in 2006
June 4, 1937 ~ Jazz, free jazz, avant-garde jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Mark Whitecage born ~ Recorded well over a dozen albums as a leader, especially noted for the late-1990s albums Consensual Tension and Split Personality. Married to clarinetist Rozanne Levine, with whom he also worked. Regular collaborator of Gunter Hampel including on the acclaimed albums All The Things You Could Be If Charles Mingus Was Your Daddy and Celestial Glory. Other notable associations include Paul Bley, Annette Peacock (I'm The One), Saheb Sarbib, Soren Anders, Michael Jefry Stevens, Dominic Duval, the Fonda-Stevens Group, Joseph Scianni (Moon Flower), Marshall Allen, Anthony Braxton, the Nu-Band, and Dom Minasi (Quick Response) ~ Whitecage passed away in 2021
June 4, 1936 ~ Jazz pianist, vibraphonist, saxophonist Alan Branscombe born in Wallasey, UK ~ Closely associated with Johnny Dankworth, serving in Dankworth's orchestra on and off from 1960 through 1972. Has also worked with the likes of Cleo Laine, Georgie Fame, Jackie Lomax, Harold McNair, Kenny Wheeler, and Tubby Hayes. To pop and rock audiences, Branscombe is perhaps best known for his saxophone playing on the Beatles track Got To Get You Into My Life of their 1966 Revolver album ~ Branscombe passed away in 1986
June 4, 1932 ~ Bebop, hard bop, post-bop, jazz fusion saxophonist, clarinetist, arranger, composer Oliver Nelson, full name Oliver Edward Nelson, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Recorded over two dozen albums as a leader or co-leader. Best known for his 1961 The Blues And The Abstract Truth album, which featured backing from Eric Dolphy, Roy Haynes and Freddie Hubbard. As a songwriter, composer Nelson had his songs recorded by Benny Bailey, Frank Wess, and Jimmy Smith. Nelson's best known composition, Stolen Moments, would first be recorded by Eddie Lockjaw Davis in 1960, and has been covered by well over a 100 artists including Booker Ervin, Milt Jackson, Quincy Jones, and Frank Zappa. As a sideman and collaborator, Nelson has worked with Eddie Kirkland, Jimmy Forrest, Lem Winchester, Etta Jones, Shirley Scott, Cannonball Adderley, Manny Albam, Ben Webster, Stanley Turrentine, Lee Morgan, Sonny Rollins, and Thelonious Monk ~ Nelson passed away in 1975
June 4, 1931 ~ Pianist, conductor, orchestrator, arranger, composer Jeremy Lubbock, full name Jeremy Michael Lubbock, born in Berkshire, UK ~ Active since the 1950s, initially as a jazz singer and pianist with a style modeled after Nat King Cole. In-demand collaborator from the mid-1970s, notably present on albums such as Joni Mitchell's Mingus and Minnie Riperton's Minnie. Would go on to work with David Foster (The Best Of Me), Quincy Jones, Chicago (Hard Habit To Break), and Céline Dion ~ Lubbock passed away in 2021
June 4, 1930 ~ Maria Grazia Morgana Messina, commonly known as jazz singer, actress Morgana King, born in Pleasantville, New York, USA ~ Well over 30 albums to her name from the 1950s through the 1990s. Especially acclaimed for her 1964 Miss Morgana King album and its follow-up It's A Quiet Thing the next year. Married to trumpeter Tony Fruscella from 1947 to 1956, to trombonist Willie Dennis from 1961 until his death in 1965. Has worked with Ben Aronov, Ronnie Bedford, Clifford Carter, Don Costa, Larry Fallon, Sammy Figueroa, Steve Laspina, Ray Mantilla, Adam Nussbaum, Joe Puma, Torrie Zito, and others. Also known as an actress, notably portraying the role of Carmela Corleone in The Godfather and its sequel The Godfather Part II ~ Messina passed away in 2018
June 4, 1929 ~ Bill Mack Smith Jr, commonly known as country singer, songwriter, radio host Bill Mack, born ~ Perhaps best known as a songwriter, responsible for songs such as Drinking Champagne recorded by Cal Smith, George Strait and by others, and Blue, LeAnn Rimes' breakout hit. Others who have recorded his songs include Dean Martin, Ray Price, Jerry Lee Lewis, George Jones ~ Smith passed away in 2020
June 4, 1928 ~ Jazz bassist Teddy Kotick, full name Theodore John Kotick, born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, USA ~ Sidemen to many of the leading names in jazz during the 1940s and 1950s. Present on albums by Charlie Parker, Jimmy Raney, Jon Eardley (From Hollywood To New York), Stan Getz (West Coast Jazz), Al Cohn, Herbie Nichols, George Russell (The Jazz Workshop), and Martial Solal ~ Kotick passed away in 1986
June 4, 1920 ~ Jazz trombonist Britt Woodman born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his work with Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus. Also worked with Boyd Raeburn, Lionel Hampton, Ella Fitzgerald, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Gene Ammons, Ruth Brown, Benny Carter, Tadd Dameron, Miles Davis (on Blue Moods), Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Golson, Chico Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Jimmy Hamilton, Hank Jones, Junior Mance, Zoot Sims, Clark Terry, and Jimmy Woode ~ Woodman passed away in 2000
June 4, 1913 ~ Singer Al Jolson records You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want To Do It) ~ Penned by James Monaco and Joseph McCarthy. Jolson 1913 rendition is most likely one of the earliest recorded versions, the song over time becoming a standard covered by numerous artists including Bing Crosby, Harry James, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Nat King Cole, Patsy Cline, Aretha Franklin, Harry Nilsson, and Rufus Wainwright
June 4, 1909 ~ Jazz violinist, saxophonist, clarinetist Johnny Russell, full name John W Russell, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ~ Active since the mid-1920s. Perhaps best known for his work with Bobby Martin, notably present on the soundtrack to the 1938 film L'Alibi. Has also worked with Jimmy Campbell, Earle Howard, Harry White, Benny Carter, Willie Bryant, Willie Lewis, Garvin Bushell, Russell Wooding, Cecil Scott, and Eddie Cornelius. Semi-retired from music by the late-1940s, yet would continue to occasionally play club dates ~ Russell passed away in 1991